Pentax K-r Digital Camera

The new K-r is in between the entry-level K-x and the enthusiast model K-7. The outer design is much closer to the K-x but that is the only resemblance.  The new K-r has been improved in various areas. One of the best improvements over the K-x and K-m  is that it now shows the active focus point in the viewfinder when the shutter button is half-pressed.

The K-r comes with components from both the K-x and K-7 and has some entirely new features as well. Like the K-x it captures its images and 720p video footage on a 12.4 sensor. It sports a large 3-inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution for responsive Live View and detailed image/video review. Video clips can be recorded with sound at 720p and 25 FPS, using any Pentax lens.

The 11-point SAFOX IX autofocus system includes a dedicated AF assist lamp and the viewfinder includes a focus point indicator that confirms the area of focus in an image. The K-r provides a top shutter speed of 1/6000 second and a maximum burst rate of six frames/second. It also has the widest ISO range (100-25600 in extended mode) and fastest continuous shooting (6.0 fps) of all current Pentax DSLRs.

New features include an IR simple interface (wireless data transfer to compatible devices), a cross processing mode and a Night Scene HDR mode.

The K-r also offers the  the option of using AA batteries or a proprietary rechargeable battery as the cameras source of power  It comes with a rechargeable battery as standard but AA batteries can be used with the help of an optional adapter.

The K-r's specification sheet certainly looks very strong for a camera of this class. The K-r is also available in kit form including the 18-55mm kit lens.